Established in 1918, the Danish law firm
Plesner is based in Copenhagen.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm is one of Denmark’s leading law firms and is known for its strength across the board.
The firm’s banking team often advises on several of the market’s largest acquisition financings, project financings and refinancing mandates for both borrowers and lenders.
In the capital markets space, on the debt side, the firm regularly advises on bond issues. On the equity side the team often assists clients with the listing of new shares and on IPOs.
The M&A team advises acquirers and sellers on several of the jurisdiction’s largest acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures.
In project development the firm has a reputation for supporting large construction projects. The firm is also highly active in the Danish oil and gas sector.
The restructuring team regularly works on a number of high-profile financial restructurings and insolvencies.
Key clients
Key clients include Danske Bank, TDC, Nordea, BNP Paribas, Svenska Handelsbanken, EQT, LEO Pharma, EKF, Netcompany Group, Danish Ministry of Finance, Zealand Pharma Morgan Stanley, Carnegie Investment Bank, Tryg, Advent International, FSN Capital, Nordic Capital, Tryg, Noble, Total, RWE, Gaz-Systems and Hess.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research cycle, the firm's banking team actively participated in several prominent acquisition financings and cross-border transactions with Danish targets, establishing themselves as a leading advisor in this space. Additionally, the team earned a reputation as a preferred advisor in the market's most significant financing matters, particularly in relation to sustainable finance solutions and green energy projects. Their expertise in guiding clients towards environmentally conscious financial solutions was noteworthy during this period.
The firm's equity capital markets team was particularly active in secondary share offerings, with a strong focus on working on numerous rights issues and private placements. They also demonstrated their expertise in initial public offerings (IPOs) and listings. In the debt capital markets, the team played a significant role in assisting on various notable bond issuances, including green bonds, investment-grade bonds, and convertible and hybrid securities, primarily representing issuers in these transactions.
The M&A team displayed exceptional competence by handling intricate private and public acquisition deals in the Danish market.
In the field of projects, the team consistently provided robust support to a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and investors, working on significant infrastructure and construction projects. Their dedication and expertise made them a reliable partner for clients involved in these large-scale ventures.
In restructuring and insolvency matters, the team took on a substantial number of cases, primarily representing major Danish and international banks, insurance companies, and investors on the creditor side. Their extensive experience and representation of significant financial institutions demonstrated their proficiency in handling complex situations in this domain.
The firm saw six new hires in their banking practice. Jakob Echwald Sevel and Henrik Kure as partners as of October 2022 from Poul Schmith. Emil Hedegaard Mikkelsen as director in January 2023, transferring from The European Investment Bank.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Novozymes $2 billion merger financing
Copenhagen Airports $1.45 billion financing
Bayerische Landesbank $1.05 billion loan financing
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Bank lending
“Organised and structured, very fast, and our preferred law firm in Denmark.”
Banking and finance
“They have been very service-minded and easy to deal with. Very constructive in their approach.”
“Solution-orientated, pragmatic, not overcomplicating, available.”
Capital markets
“Plesner were amazing to work with. This was one of the most complex transactions I have worked on, having worked on many complex cross-border deals, and the Plesner team always delivered, were great to work with and together we found innovative solutions to what might otherwise have been intractable problems.”
“Technically first rate, efficient, great market knowledge and work collaboratively.”
“Extremely fast and competent. Counselling that never stops over business.”
Insolvency
“Professional, fast, attention to client's needs.”
“Experts in cross-border insolvency cases. Plesner is practical and commercial in its approach.”
“Knowledgeable in insolvency matters, practical and commercial in their approach.”
Investment funds
“High professional standards, fairness and attention to client's needs.”
M&A
“Reliable and pragmatic; strong market knowledge; extremely pleasant lawyers.”
“Excellent strategic insight and negotiation skills. High-quality work.”
“One of the clear market leaders in Denmark, very responsive and commercial, tough (but fair) and effective negotiators.”
“Very strong team with a broad bench; deliver quality advice in a timely manner; solutions rather than problem-orientated.”
“Very professional on M&A advisory.”
“Extremely responsive and technically proficient.”
Project development
“They were responsive, involved, knowledgeable and had good process management skills.”
“Excellent commercial understanding.”
Brian Bundgaard
“A true star and dealmaker, very knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Niklas Christensen
“Excellent understanding of commercial aspects, and participating in negotiations.”
Emil Deleuran
“High professional standards and integrity. Accessible. Attention to creating value for us as clients.”
Jacob Falsner
“Jacob is very likeable and gives a very good first impression. He is focused on finding a solution that works for you as a client – it does not have to be big, complicated and elaborate – it just has to work in accordance with your needs as a client. I really like that.”
Thomas Holst Laursen
“He is sharp and analytical – but with a sound pragmatic approach.”
“Very strong overall, very commercial, to the point, tells it like it is and does not hold back in negotiations.”
“Very pleasant and knowledgeable. Probably the best lawyer of his generation.”
Esben Kjaer
“Very involved despite being relatively senior.”
Thomas Laursen
“Bright, engaging, commercially aware and always professional and collegiate in manner.”
Henrik Laursen
“X-ray-like understanding of the regulation and dynamics of listed companies and stock exchange constraints and possibilities.”
“Extremely responsive, technically proficient and hard-working.”
Jacob Nygaard
“He fully understands our needs and is hands-on. He provides legal advice and is best in class.”
Nicolai Orsted
“Fantastic all-rounder, solutions-orientated, great client service and client relationship skills, Nicolai is first class.
Michala Roepstorff
“Deep knowledge of the area, experience, good at communication.”
“Michala Roepstorff, Plesner always has a very positive – hands-on – attitude with regard to problem solutions and she is extremely knowledgeable within the area of insolvency law. As such, you know that you can always rely 100 % on her advice. A tier-one lawyer within her field.”
“Extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with.”
“Michala is very knowledgeable in insolvency matters, identifies solutions, is approachable yet firm. Very commercial and quick to respond/address points of concern.”
“Ability to spot and subsequently come up with a problem and solution.”
Jakob Skafte-Pedersen
“Very good M&A advisory and proactive negotiation skills.”
Henrik Laursen
“Great to work with, led the most complex capital markets transaction in Denmark and made it look smooth and easy, he was essential to the deal.”
